Circumstances Aiding Studies
Plin. For that very reason you may conclude that people like the Syracusans were very rare.
Cels. Enough of them! Why do you prefer to work with a lamp than a candle?
Plin. On account of the equable flame, which less tries the eyes, for the flicker of the wick injures the eyes and the odour of the tallow is unpleasant.
Cels. Then use wax candles, the odour of which is not displeasing.
Plin. In them the wick is more flickering and the vapour is no more healthy. In the tallow lights the wick is for the most part of linen and not of cotton, as the tradesmen seek to make a profit on all these things by fraud. Pour oil into this lamp, bring a candle and take out the wick and clean it.
Epict. Notice how the lampblack sticks to the needle. They say this is a sign of rain, in the same manner as we find in Vergil:—
Scintillare oleum et putres concrescere fungos.56
Plin. Bring hither also the snuffers and clean this candle. But don’t throw the black on the floor lest it smoke, but press it into the snuffers-box whilst it is held together. Bring me my dressing-gown, that long one lined with skin.
Cels. I will provide you with your books. May Minerva be favourable to you!
Plin. May Paul or, what I should rather have said, may Jesus Christ, the Wisdom of God, be with me.
Cels. Perhaps Christ is adumbrated in the fable of Minerva and that of the birth from Jupiter’s brain.
Plin. Place the table on the supports in the sleeping-chamber.
Cels. Do you prefer the table to the desk?
Plin. At this time, yes; but place a small desk on the table.
Epict. A self-standing one or a movable one?
Plin. Which you like. But where is the Dydimus of my studies?
Cels. I will summon him thither.